Meet our Team
Sebastian Sandler
Managing Director
Sebastian opened XUL Architecture in 2008. His unique understanding of the design and building processes allow him to analyse the close relationship between design and cost, ensuring his projects are delivered on time, to budget and to the highest possible specifications. He is interested in researching different ways of introducing natural light to architecture. Prior to opening XUL, Sebastian qualified as an Architect in Argentina, and worked in a number of architectural practices in both Buenos Aires and the UK.
Maia Lemlij
Business Director
Maia is one of the founding partners at XUL Architecture. Her role as Business Director focuses on strategy, research, and development. Prior to working at XUL Architecture, Maia worked for 11 years at Space Syntax Limited, a design consultancy. Maia qualified as an architect in Peru and in 2003 continued her academic training at University College London (UCL), where she completed an MSc in Advanced Architectural Studies. She is currently doing an MSc in Applied Neuroscience at King's College and is working to integrate psychology and neuroscientific findings into the practice.
Richard Hodgkinson
Director
Before joining XUL in 2023 Richard spent 11 years working on private residential projects in South London. Richard is a RIBA chartered architect and studied at both Newcastle University and the University of Greenwich. Richard’s role in the company is to motivate and inspire the team to deliver the highest quality architecture. Richard has a particular interest in computational advances in the construction industry, and how these advancements can create a more collaborative and personalised design process.
Ingmar Wilken
Director—Senior Architect
Ingmar deals with a full range of architectural services, coordinating the design team from formulation of the brief through design development, to completion of projects on site. Prior to joining XUL, Ingmar worked for over 14 years as an architect in London. Ingmar qualified as an architect in Germany and continued his academic training at the Mackintosh School of Architecture (University of Glasgow), where he completed an M.Arch degree course in Conservation Studies.
Sharon Fields
Office Manager—PA
Sharon joined XUL Architecture in 2016 as an Office Manager. She is a resourceful and organised office manager with financial expertise and versatile administrative support skill set developed through a wealth of experience. Sharon has successfully managed the daily operations of many demanding offices and has exceptional skills in setting up office policies, developing and implementing office procedures.
Cecilia Dubois
Senior Architect
Cecilia is an experienced architect with many years of job running experience both in high end residential and other building typologies. She studied in the UK, winning a prestigious architectural award in the final year of her post graduate degree. She is passionate about architecture and designing the best spaces that respond to each individual’s or family’s needs. Cecilia loves all aspects of being an architect from inception to completion of a project and and values a collaborative, well‑structured delivery process, keeping projects on track whilst creating a positive experience for everyone involved. Outside of work she loves exploring the outdoors and going to gigs to see live music.
Alexandra Tarabuta
Part II Architectural Assistant
Alexandra completed her Master’s in Architecture in Romania before joining XUL Architecture in April 2021. Prior to graduation, she had been practicing as a student intern in a local architectural and urbanism office in order to gain experience in projects of various scales. As an Architectural Assistant, Alexandra's role at XUL is to support all members of the team, from bringing innovative ideas to using her software skills in order to deliver a project. In her spare time she loves travelling and listening to music while baking.
Matan Michaels
Part II Architectural Assistant
Matan joined XUL Architecture in 2025 as a Part II Architectural Assistant during his placement year from the MSci Architecture programme at The Bartlett, UCL. Alongside his work at XUL, he is conducting academic research in Neuroarchitecture in collaboration with Maia Lemlij. Matan contributes to projects across all RIBA stages, with a focus on design development and technical detailing. His interests lie in the design of socially equitable and environmentally responsive spaces. In 2024, Matan received The Bartlett school-wide Public Engagement Award, and in 2025 his dissertation on activism and social change was exhibited at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Antonio Aprea
Senior Interior Designer
Antonio Aprea is a Senior Interior Designer with over 14 years of experience delivering high-end residential projects across Europe and the Middle East. Originally trained as an architect in Italy, Antonio relocated to London where he focused his career on interior design and fine art, shaping a refined approach to bespoke residential interiors. His work is characterised by technical precision, a strong aesthetic sensibility, and meticulous attention to detail. With a particular focus on bespoke joinery, materiality, craftsmanship, and the considered use of colour, Antonio creates timeless interiors that are both elegant and deeply personal, responding thoughtfully to each client’s lifestyle and vision.
Merilin Kook
Interior Designer
Merilin Kook is an interior designer who is passionate about neuro architecture and design. With over a decade of experience working in high-end residential design industry in London, she combines classical training in visual arts, architectural theory, and art history, which she refined during her studies in Rome. Merilin’s work blends artistic expression with technical precision, focusing on bespoke joinery, stonework, and the use of colour to enhance well-being and visual harmony. She is passionate about creating functional, timeless interior schemes for homes that have the power to elevate and enhance homeowner’s every day life.
Wendy Callaway
Administrative Assistant
Wendy joined XUL Architecture in 2025 as an Administrative Assistant, bringing a unique perspective from her background in psychology. With a Master’s focus in the Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics, and Creativity, she combines her knowledge of human behaviour with creativity and team support. Wendy’s role encompasses neuroarchitecture research and knowledge sharing, marketing and content creation, and providing essential support to the team. Passionate about architecture and interior design, she is fascinated by how environments subtly shape thoughts, behaviours, and everyday experiences.
Managing Director
Sebastian Sandler
Sebastian opened XUL Architecture in 2008. His unique understanding of the design and building processes allow him to analyse the close relationship between design and cost, ensuring his projects are delivered on time, to budget and to the highest possible specifications. He is interested in researching different ways of introducing natural light to architecture. Prior to opening XUL, Sebastian qualified as an Architect in Argentina, and worked in a number of architectural practices in both Buenos Aires and the UK.
Business Director
Maia Lemlij
Maia is one of the founding partners at XUL Architecture. Her role as Business Director focuses on strategy, research, and development. Prior to working at XUL Architecture, Maia worked for 11 years at Space Syntax Limited, a design consultancy. Maia qualified as an architect in Peru and in 2003 continued her academic training at University College London (UCL), where she completed an MSc in Advanced Architectural Studies. She is currently doing an MSc in Applied Neuroscience at King's College and is working to integrate psychology and neuroscientific findings into the practice.
Director
Richard Hodgkinson
Before joining XUL in 2023 Richard spent 11 years working on private residential projects in South London. Richard is a RIBA chartered architect and studied at both Newcastle University and the University of Greenwich. Richard’s role in the company is to motivate and inspire the team to deliver the highest quality architecture. Richard has a particular interest in computational advances in the construction industry, and how these advancements can create a more collaborative and personalised design process.
Director—Senior Architect
Ingmar Wilken
Ingmar deals with a full range of architectural services, coordinating the design team from formulation of the brief through design development, to completion of projects on site. Prior to joining XUL, Ingmar worked for over 14 years as an architect in London. Ingmar qualified as an architect in Germany and continued his academic training at the Mackintosh School of Architecture (University of Glasgow), where he completed an M.Arch degree course in Conservation Studies.
Office Manager—PA
Sharon Fields
Sharon joined XUL Architecture in 2016 as an Office Manager. She is a resourceful and organised office manager with financial expertise and versatile administrative support skill set developed through a wealth of experience. Sharon has successfully managed the daily operations of many demanding offices and has exceptional skills in setting up office policies, developing and implementing office procedures.
Senior Architect
Cecilia Dubois
Cecilia is an experienced architect with many years of job running experience both in high end residential and other building typologies. She studied in the UK, winning a prestigious architectural award in the final year of her post graduate degree. She is passionate about architecture and designing the best spaces that respond to each individual’s or family’s needs. Cecilia loves all aspects of being an architect from inception to completion of a project and and values a collaborative, well‑structured delivery process, keeping projects on track whilst creating a positive experience for everyone involved. Outside of work she loves exploring the outdoors and going to gigs to see live music.
Part II Architectural Assistant
Alexandra Tarabuta
Alexandra completed her Master’s in Architecture in Romania before joining XUL Architecture in April 2021. Prior to graduation, she had been practicing as a student intern in a local architectural and urbanism office in order to gain experience in projects of various scales. As an Architectural Assistant, Alexandra's role at XUL is to support all members of the team, from bringing innovative ideas to using her software skills in order to deliver a project. In her spare time she loves travelling and listening to music while baking.
Part II Architectural Assistant
Matan Michaels
Matan joined XUL Architecture in 2025 as a Part II Architectural Assistant during his placement year from the MSci Architecture programme at The Bartlett, UCL. Alongside his work at XUL, he is conducting academic research in Neuroarchitecture in collaboration with Maia Lemlij. Matan contributes to projects across all RIBA stages, with a focus on design development and technical detailing. His interests lie in the design of socially equitable and environmentally responsive spaces. In 2024, Matan received The Bartlett school-wide Public Engagement Award, and in 2025 his dissertation on activism and social change was exhibited at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Senior Interior Designer
Antonio Aprea
Antonio Aprea is a Senior Interior Designer with over 14 years of experience delivering high-end residential projects across Europe and the Middle East. Originally trained as an architect in Italy, Antonio relocated to London where he focused his career on interior design and fine art, shaping a refined approach to bespoke residential interiors. His work is characterised by technical precision, a strong aesthetic sensibility, and meticulous attention to detail. With a particular focus on bespoke joinery, materiality, craftsmanship, and the considered use of colour, Antonio creates timeless interiors that are both elegant and deeply personal, responding thoughtfully to each client’s lifestyle and vision.
Interior Designer
Merilin Kook
Merilin Kook is an interior designer who is passionate about neuro architecture and design. With over a decade of experience working in high-end residential design industry in London, she combines classical training in visual arts, architectural theory, and art history, which she refined during her studies in Rome. Merilin’s work blends artistic expression with technical precision, focusing on bespoke joinery, stonework, and the use of colour to enhance well-being and visual harmony. She is passionate about creating functional, timeless interior schemes for homes that have the power to elevate and enhance homeowner’s every day life.
Administrative Assistant
Wendy Callaway
Wendy joined XUL Architecture in 2025 as an Administrative Assistant, bringing a unique perspective from her background in psychology. With a Master’s focus in the Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics, and Creativity, she combines her knowledge of human behaviour with creativity and team support. Wendy’s role encompasses neuroarchitecture research and knowledge sharing, marketing and content creation, and providing essential support to the team. Passionate about architecture and interior design, she is fascinated by how environments subtly shape thoughts, behaviours, and everyday experiences.
Vacancies
Although we don't have any vacancies at the moment, we are always happy to hear from new talent. Send us your cover letter, CV and short portfolio to talent@xularchitecture.co.uk